Knowledge is power: Boost your immune system with Chinese herbal medicine

Our immune system is the main defense system that protects us against disease. Boosting the immune system can help to keep your body in optimal condition to combat bacteria, infections, and viruses. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has operated on the theory that our own body is the main defense against diseases. Recognizing that illness is caused by a weakened body (immune system), Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors have been using herbal remedies to enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms for thousands of years. 

We have summarized the top TCM herbs that support and boost the immune system. These herbs have proven efficacy and safe-use history. Moreover, modern pharmacology researchers have further clarified how these herbs enhance immune function.

Herbs that are shown to increase the number of white blood cells

White blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes or leucocytes, are immune cells.  They are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders (such as bacteria and viruses). 

• Astragalus
• Ginseng
• Goji berry
• Chinese jujube
• Honeysuckles
• Chinese sage (Dan-shen)
• Codonopsis pilosula (Dang-shen)
• Skullcap
• Reishi mushroom (Ling-zhi), and
• Scutellaria baicalensis (huang-qin) 

Herbs that are shown to enhance the function of monocyte and macrophages

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages and myeloid lineage dendritic cells. Macrophages are the body’s cleaning machine – they engulf and destroy invaders such as bacteria and viruses; while dendritic cells are essential in your body’s ability to recognize the foreign invaders.

• Astragalus
• Angelica (Dong-quai)
• Ginseng
• Mulberry
• Dandelion
• Poria (fu-lin)
• Reishi mushroom (Ling-zhi)
• Artemisia annua
• Prunella vulgaris

Herbal medicines that are shown to increase the number of T-cells

T-cells play a central role in your immune response. They determine the specificity of an immune response to foreign substances in the body so your body can distinguish between friends (i.e., your own cells) and foes (such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells).

• Angelica (Dong-quai)
• Ginseng
• Gojiberry
• Coix seed
• Chinese sage (Dan-shen)
• Reishi mushroom (Ling-zhi)
• Epimedium (Yin-yang-huo)
• Polygonum multiflorum (He-shou-wu)
• Huang-jing

Herbs that are shown to have interferon effects 

Interferons are a family of naturally occurring proteins that are made and secreted by immune cells. Interferon was named for its ability to interfere with viral proliferation. The various forms of interferon are the body’s most rapidly produced and important defense against viruses. Interferons can also combat bacterial and parasitic infections and inhibit cancer cell division. 

• Astragalus
• Angelica (Dong-quai)
• Mulberry
• Safflower
• Plantain
• White peony
• Reishi mushroom (Ling-zhi)

Herbs that are shown to promote the production of antibodies 

Antibodies are proteins produced by immune cells (specifically, B cells).  They bind to a foreign substance (such as pathogens) that invade the body, neutralize it, and/or aid in its destruction and removal from the body.

• Ginseng, 
• Polygonum multiflorum (He-shou-wu)
• Epimedium (Yin-yang-huo)
• Dihuang

Herbs that are shown to stimulate the immune response in cancer patients

• Ginseng
• Angelica (Dong-quai)
• Reishi mushroom (Ling-zhi)
• Cinnamon
• Coix seed
• Poria (fu-lin)
• white flower hydra
• Chinese jujube
• Licorice

All these herbs can be found easily online.  You can use these herbs as a tea or as spices in cooking.  Search online, you will also find many recipes incorporating one or more of these herbs.

For an easy, convenient and delicious way to add these immune-boosting herbs to your diet, SGC offers:

• Astragalus, the most prized immune-boosting herb in Chinese Traditional Medicine, in Forever 29 gummies with our patenting pending low glycemic gummy base
• Angelica (Dong-quai), also known as woman’s ginseng, in Seattle Beauty Multivitamin with Angelica featuring a healthy shot of collagen and a blend of micronutrients such as immune-boosting zinc 

Thanks for reading. Be well.